Everything Hurts: How Trauma Became the Theory of Everything
April 22 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am PDT
Over the past century, the concept of “trauma” has evolved from a narrowly defined physical injury to a broad and sometimes ambiguous psychological construct. This presentation traces the historical expansion of trauma theory—from its battlefield origins to its current prominence in behavioral health and youth services—while examining the benefits of increased awareness and the risks of conceptual inflation and blurred diagnostic boundaries.
After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Analyze the rapid expansion of the concept of trauma and how it has become a dominant theoretical framework and cornerstone of psychopathology research
- Evaluate the implications of the evolving definition of trauma, including potential risks of over-pathologizing normal adversity and reinforcing a sense of helplessness
- Explain the concept of post-traumatic growth and its relevance in shifting discussions beyond pathology to include potentially positive changes following traumatic events
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers during these presentations are solely those of the speakers and do not reflect the views or positions of the organization or any affiliated entities. The organization is not responsible for any statements, advice, or opinions shared by the speakers during these sessions.
Presented By
Dr. Roeske is the Senior Director of the Center for Research and Innovation at Newport Healthcare, where he leads outcomes monitoring, measurement-based care, and behavioral health research. A licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in clinical practice, executive leadership, and research, he has held executive roles in top treatment programs and served as a clinical director, therapist, and adjunct professor across diverse settings. He is a Board Member and Ethics Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Association of Addiction Professionals and serves on the NAATP FoRSE Advisory Board.
